Steaming Frozen Crab Legs – A Quick Guide

Steamed crab legs make a delicious and easy meal that feels luxurious. And with frozen crab legs you can enjoy fresh-cooked crab year-round. But can you steam frozen crab legs successfully? Absolutely! With a few simple tricks steaming from frozen is not only possible but yields tender, flavored meat.

Below I’ll share tips on steaming frozen crab legs, from prep to doneness, so you can master this hands-off cooking method. Soon you’ll be able to prepare restaurant-quality crab at home anytime.

Should You Thaw Frozen Crab Legs Before Steaming?

This is a common question with frozen crab legs. Some people prefer thawing before cooking. However, thawing is not required when steaming. Here are the pros and cons of each method:

Thaw Before Steaming

Pros

• Legs steam more evenly when thawed
• Shorter cooking time required (5 mins vs. 10 mins)
• Meat separates from shell more easily

Cons:

• Takes 1-2 days to thaw large legs in fridge
• Can be tricky ensuring legs thaw fully but don’t sit too long
• More planning required versus steaming from frozen

Steam Frozen

Pros

• No thawing time required
• Can cook spur of the moment when craving crab
• Maintains freshness by cooking straight from frozen

Cons:

• Can take slightly longer to cook evenly (10+ mins)
• Shells don’t always separate as cleanly from meat

For the quickest and easiest method, steaming from frozen is usually best. But if time allows, thawing first can yield slightly better texture. Both methods work well – it just depends on your patience and preferences!

How Long Does It Take to Steam Frozen Crab Legs?

Frozen crab legs take longer to cook than thawed, but not drastically so. Here are approximate steaming times:

• Thawed legs: 5-7 minutes
• Frozen legs: 10-12 minutes

The timing can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of crab legs. Expect king crab legs to take a little longer than snow crab legs since they are thicker.

No matter what, resist the urge to undercook frozen crab legs. They may look thawed on the outside but can still be icy inside. It’s important to steam them long enough for the heat to fully penetrate throughout.

Use these visual cues to test when frozen crab legs are done:

• Opaque, pearly color throughout
• Flesh pulls apart in chunks, not shreds
• No signs of translucence or ice crystals internally

For extra assurance, use an instant-read thermometer to check. Crab should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Step-By-Step Guide to Steaming Frozen Crab Legs

Follow this simple, foolproof process for steaming frozen crab legs to tender perfection:

1. Choose Your Steamer

You can use a folding stainless steamer basket or a shallow pan with a tight-fitting lid. The key is finding a vessel that allows the steam to fully circulate around the crab legs.

2. Add Water

Place 1-2 inches of water in your steaming vessel. For flavor, consider adding lemon slices, wine or seafood stock. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

3. Steam The Legs

Carefully place frozen crab legs into the hot steam, arranging them in a single layer. Make sure legs are not crammed too tightly together.

4. Cover and Cook

Cover the steamer tightly with a lid to trap the steam. Set a timer based on whether legs are frozen or thawed. Cook frozen legs for 10-12 minutes.

5. Finish Seasoning

Use tongs to transfer steaming hot crab legs to a platter. Brush with butter, sprinkle with Old Bay, or serve with drawn butter for dipping.

That’s all it takes for an impressive crab feast from frozen legs! The key is keeping a close eye on the clock to avoid undercooked crab.

Handy Tips for Steaming Frozen Crab Legs

Follow these pro tips for the very best results when steaming frozen crab legs:

• Run thawed legs under cool water to rinse off ice crystals before steaming. This prevents uneven cooking.

• Resist the urge to overcrowd the steamer. Legs need space for steam to circulate fully. Work in batches if needed.

• Check for doneness early and often. Frozen crab can go from underdone to overdone quickly.

• Use a thermometer for accuracy. Crab should reach 165°F internally when properly steamed.

• Don’t boil or cook legs in liquid, only steam. This preserves moisture and flavor.

• Allow 3-5 minutes to rest after steaming before cracking open shells. This makes meat easier to remove.

With patience and proper technique, steaming frozen crab at home is totally doable for spectacular results!

Steaming Other Types of Frozen Crab

Beyond legs, you can steam other frozen crab products like claws and lump crabmeat. Just follow the same tips:

Frozen crab claws – Steam from frozen for 8-10 minutes until hot throughout. Break shells with cracker or mallet.

Frozen lump crabmeat – No need to thaw. Steam gently for 4-5 minutes just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook.

Frozen soft shell crab – Steam 5-6 minutes from frozen. Test often as the delicate crab can overcook quickly.

Adjust cook times as needed based on the size and thickness of the crab you are steaming. Rely on instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked frozen crab every time.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Steamed Crab

Properly stored, leftover steamed crab legs will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Follow these guidelines:

• Let crab cool slightly before refrigerating in an airtight container.

• Never freeze reheated crabmeat. It negatively impacts texture.

• Reheat gently in the steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy multiple meals from a single batch of steamed frozen crab. Just don’t keep leftovers too long.

Is Steaming or Boiling Crab Legs Better?

While you can boil crab legs, steaming has some advantages:

• Steaming retains more flavor and moisture.

• It allows seasonings like lemon, garlic, and spices to infuse the crab.

• Steam heat penetrates frozen crab legs more evenly.

• Steamed crab meat separates from the shell more cleanly.

Of course, boiling in seasoned liquid also has its perks. But for cooking frozen crab legs, steaming is definitely the way to go.

Steaming Frozen Crab Legs Safely

Keep these food safety tips in mind when steaming frozen crab:

• Always thaw/steam frozen crab legs within 2 days of removing from freezer.

• Use a food thermometer to verify crab reaches safe 165°F internal temperature after cooking.

• Discard any unopened legs if they were left out over 2 hours before cooking.

• Refrigerate steamed leftovers within 2 hours; reheat fully to 165°F before eating.

With proper handling, steaming and storage, frozen crab legs are perfectly safe to enjoy using this simple method.

Easy Dipping Sauces for Steamed Crab Legs

A rich dipping sauce takes steamed crab legs to the next level. Whip up one of these easy sauces:

• Melted butter – Classic! Mix in lemon juice, garlic, parsley.

• Cocktail sauce – Chilled ketchup, horseradish and lemon.

• Aioli – Blend mayo, lemon, garlic, cayenne.

• Mustard sauce – Mix Dijon, mayo, lemon and Old Bay seasoning.

• Parmesan dip – Blend mayo, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic.

Don’t forget to have crab crackers, napkins and wet wipes on hand for eating!

Steaming Frozen Crab Legs is Surprisingly Simple

With the right techniques, steaming frozen crab legs is easy and yields tender, succulent meat. Allow a little extra time for frozen legs to cook through. But soon you’ll be impressing family and friends with your own homemade steamed crab feasts. Get ready for your new favorite easy meal!

What are your favorite types of crab to steam at home? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!